Oman today_ Alfajores are a classic and popular treat from South America that has gained many fans around the world. These delicious cookies consist of two soft, buttery biscuit layers filled with a generous amount of Dulce de Leche and are usually coated with powdered sugar, chocolate, or shredded coconut. Alfajores originated in Argentina, but now they are served in various forms throughout the continent.
To prepare Alfajores, start by mixing 100 grams of butter with 50 grams of sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, add one egg yolk and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix again. Gradually add 200 grams of cornstarch, 100 grams of flour, a pinch of baking powder, and a pinch of salt, kneading the dough until well combined. Roll out the dough, cut it into circles using a cookie cutter, and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10 to 12 minutes. After cooling, fill the biscuits with Dulce de Leche and decorate with your desired coating.
Dulce de Leche, the core of the Alfajores flavor, is a thick, sweet caramel made by slowly heating sweetened milk. To make it at home, pour a can of sweetened condensed milk into a glass or ceramic dish, cover it with foil, and place it into a larger pan filled halfway with water. Bake at 220°C (430°F) for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a deep caramel color. Once cooled, transfer it to a container and store for future use.